Burn Ban In Effect For Travis County Amid Soaring Summer Temperatures

TRAVIS COUNTY, TX – Given the high temperatures enveloping Central Texas, the Travis County Commissioners Court has issued a burn ban effective immediately in for the county.

The burn ban expires on August 7 unless further action is taken by the Travis County Commissioners Court or Fire Marshal prior to that date, officials said in a press release.

“We have recently experienced an increase in grass fires in both our county and neighboring counties,” said Travis County Chief Fire Marshal Tony Callaway. “We strongly urge the public to help reduce fire dangers by not throwing cigarettes out of vehicle windows, not parking running or recently driven vehicles on dry grass or operating poorly maintained machinery on dry grass.”

The burn ban comes as the Texas Forestry Service is predicting potential active fire conditions at periods during the coming days. Officials said that should the slight chance of area thunderstorms over the next several days provide substantial rainfall, the burn ban could be lifted.

This ban on outdoor burning does not affect prescribed burns under the supervision of a prescription burn manager, commissioners noted. It also does not affect outdoor hot work when done under the guidelines established by the Fire Marshal’s Office, they noted.

Prescription burn managers and those in need of outdoor hot work permits much contact the Fire Marshal’s Office or the fire department in whose jurisdiction the work will be done, commissioners said. Barbecuing in Travis County Parks and parks managed by the County is allowed as long as the fire is within a container that can be closed or one with a lid. Those grilling also should have water nearby in case of a fire.

Residents are highly urged to call 9-1-1 immediately if a fire gets out of control. Those with questions about the burn ban should contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (512) 854-4621 or their neighborhood fire department.

For a list of frequently asked question related to burn bans, click here.

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